...like an unconditioned subway train at rush hour. That was my sweaty morning: a train ride with a mob of angry, overheated New Yorkers. I walked into work today with the inarguable need to stick my head in the freezer. I feel better.
With the heat over 90 degrees F, I've been dreaming of some cool treats and tricks to cool off.
- If you do not have an air conditioner, fret not. Here's a way to make one and run it for *much* cheaper, as developed by a couple very warm, very clever college students.
- Make a few Ice Straws to stir that cool lemonade, ice tea, or refreshing cocktail.
- Best of all, whip up a batch of Watermelon Granita.
Watermelon GranitaThis refreshing, ice dessert is thick enough to be eaten out of bowls, or can be made into a drink.
Ingredients
1/2 C. superfine sugar
1 C. water
4 C. ripe seedless watermelon fruit, cut into chunks
Juice of 1 lemon
1 lime, sliced
Directions
Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan and stir to combine.Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Place watermelon and lemon juice in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Pass the fruit puree through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, using the back of a spoon to push liquid through. Discard any solids or seeds. Add cooled sugar-water and stir to combine. Pour mixture onto a metal pan to a depth of 1/4-inch. Place in freezer for 30 minutes until crystals begin to form. Scrape mixture with a fork to break it up, scraping the ends and sides of the pan where it might be most frozen. Refreeze for another 30 minutes. Repeat this process several times for 2-3 hours until frozen and crystallized. Place dessert cups or glasses in refrigerator to chill. Scoop granita into chilled bowls and garnish with a slice of lime on the rim.
-Caley, hating the MTA and luvin' the freezer
Photo compliments of Flickr, chotda
